Fall 2007 interior decorating trends embrace nature and green living.
Fall 2007 interior decorating trends are finding green living and environmentally healthy choices at the forefront again. This time the trend is getting a bit more literal.
Natural elements are still an important part of the home and can be found in bamboo flooring, rattan furniture, stone countertops and raw wood furniture. Some of these fundamental design pieces are less expensive than alternatives and some are much more costly; it’s important to do your research before making a decision as not all brands are the same. One example is bamboo flooring. A bamboo floor is touted as a much better alternative to hardwoods as an entire bamboo forest can renew itself in just five years. The problem is some of the selected woods aren’t allowed to age properly and are less expensive but also less durable.
Another trend that seems to be gaining stride is decorative stained finishes. Inlaid wood is quite popular but also expensive and more people are currently opting to use a decorative or faux staining technique to draw attention to their beautiful wood pieces but without the expense of inlaid wood.
Colors this season are similar to the recent past. Neutrals no longer mean simply ecru or tan, they now are more nature inspired. Soil rich browns are considered neutral, especially when paired with a fresh green grass color or a deep ocean blue. Less popular this season will be “unnatural” reds whereas reds that are infused with the essence of fall leaves will dominate.
Another eco-friendly trend that is picking up steam is reclaimed and refurbished materials being used in creative ways. Instead of demolished materials being sent to a dump, companies are snagging up these little treasures and making a business of reselling them. Some companies are just reselling the raw items, such as bricks and old timber. Other entrepreneurs, ones with an artistic flair are turning them into new pieces like a coffee table of reclaimed wood and an antique slate chalkboard. Either way, this trend is an excellent way to add personality to your home without adding more clutter to the earth.
Lighting is another area that homeowners are looking to alter and make more environmentally sound. These decisions can be very aesthetic with windows that are designed to take advantage of the sunlight and skylights that funnel sun from above or the not so obvious decision to replace incandescent bulbs with energy efficient lighting alternatives.
Fall is an excellent time to update your home and add a few new touches before the short winter days force you inside, but not all of your modifications need to be huge or sweeping alterations. There are very inexpensive ways to add a little holiday décor to your home in the fall, or simply ways to embrace the environment by bringing home a plant or two, collecting leaves for a photo display or filling a vase with stones and pebbles. The best way to get inspired for this season’s decorating trends is to take a long walk and make mental notes of all the beauty Mother Nature has created in her home.
